Subject
Alert (Sloop : 1856-1895) Books
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Albert Hastings Markham
The Great Frozen Sea: A Personal Narrative of the Voyage of the "Alert"
"The Great Frozen Sea: A Personal Narrative of the Voyage of the 'Alert'" by Rear-Admiral Albert Hastings Markham is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work recounts the detailed experiences of Markham and his crew during the Arctic expedition of 1875-1876 aboard the ships "Alert" and "Discovery." The narrative focuses on the challenges faced during their voyage through treacherous ice and barren landscapes, emphasizing both the natural wonders and the men’s personal stories amid these extreme conditions. The opening of the journey captures the intense preparations leading up to their departure from Portsmouth, highlighting the careful fitting and selection of the ships and crew. Markham provides vivid descriptions of the excitement and camaraderie among the sailors as they ready themselves for the challenges of Arctic exploration. As the expedition sets sail, initial encounters with inclement weather and heavy seas evoke a sense of anticipation and uncertainty about the voyage ahead, hinting at the grueling experiences that lie in wait amidst the vast, frozen wilderness. The detailed narrative aims not just to recount events but also to convey the spirit of adventure and the resolute character of those who ventured into the unknown.
R. W. (Richard William) Coppinger
Cruise of the "Alert" : $b Four years in Patagonian, Polynesian, and Mascarene waters (1878-82)
"Cruise of the 'Alert'" by R. W. Coppinger is a scientific travel narrative written in the late 19th century. The book recounts the author's experiences as the medical officer on the surveying ship H.M.S. Alert during its expedition to the waters of Patagonia, Polynesia, and the Mascarenes from 1878 to 1882. The narrative covers a wide range of topics, focusing particularly on natural history observations, the flora and fauna encountered, and the interactions with native peoples during the voyage. The opening of the text introduces the purpose of the expedition, which was to continue surveys of the Straits of Magellan and investigate various reefs and islands in the South Pacific as well as parts of Australia. Coppinger discusses the preparations for the journey, including the selection of the ship and the team, and provides insights into the natural phenomena observed during the voyage, such as the diverse marine life and unique bird species. He recounts the initial stages of the journey, detailing encounters with various sea birds, experiments in collecting marine organisms, and observations of the landscape as the ship approaches different ports, ultimately setting the stage for the exploratory adventures that follow.
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